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Dearest Friends, As I sit here, the sun is diligently trying to peek out from behind the clouds. Once in a while, a ray of sunshine hits me, with its breath of promise. The dogwoods are in full bloom, the dandelions have finally turned to fluff, and the helicopter trees have begun dropping their spinning pods. All evidence of the fact that spring is indeed here! This is my favorite time of year! Every time I look at a dogwood, I can't help marveling at the Magnificence of God. The same God Who, with the breath of His mouth, formed the entire universe, formed the little dogwood, with its intricate simplicity! That very same God cares about us, every aspect of our lives. Jesus said, "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the hairs of you head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows" (Matthew 10:29-3 i). I remember that, when I was little, I used to wonder how many hairs were on my head. Obviously, I don't know; but God does! He knows us better than we know ourselves! He cares. I know He cares! I have had to cling to His promises more than ever these past few weeks. About a month ago, we found out that my Grampa was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus, which is a very severe cancer. At first, I thought the same thought that most people think when something such as this happens. "How could a loving God do this to my Grampa ... to me?" I struggled with God for days; weeks, actually. This was not what I wanted to be happening. God, in His loving kindness, is gently showing me His will. Often, God will refine His people by bringing them through a fire. He will refine us, like gold, by bringing us through trials. I know that God loves my Grampa. He has used this experience to draw Grampa, and my whole family, closer to Him. Sometimes we need to be tipped completely away ~om everything that we can cling to in our own strength. Then we will be completely helpless, and will trust God. "Make the most of your time, for the days are evil." I have been pondering this lately, as I have struggled with the question, "What am I going to do with my life?" The Lord has given me but one life. How can I use it to His glory and service? More importantly, what is keeping me from using my life to His glory and service? What part of me am I holding back from the Lord? He wants all of me, not just part of me. In order for me to be of any use to Him, I must yield myself completely to Him. My hands, my motives, my thoughts. Everything! This is much easier said than done! My desire is to be a living sacrifice unto Him, holy and acceptable unto God (Romans 12:1). What God desires is for us is to be totally broken before Him. "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise" (Ps 51:17). I keep on asking, "Lord, what do you want me to do, right now? I am willing, Lord, to do anything You want me to do, to go anywhere you want me to go. Just tell me!" Then the Lord reminds me of a quotation I once read. "Wherever you are, be all there! Live to the hilt of every situation you believe to be the will of God" (Jim Elliot). The Lord has put me where I am for a reason. I need to focus on what He has for me to do here, and do it with all my might. If I cannot minister to my own family and church, and with the people I come in contact with every day, then how can I minister elsewhere? In His timing, God will show me what else He has for me. Live your life to the fullest! Make the most of every opportunity! The Lord gives us plenty of opportunities to share His love. Often we are staring them in the face, without even realizing it! My prayer needs to be, "Lord, help me to take the opportunities you have given me to share Your love." As you know, this issue covers both Mother's and Father's day! I couldn't even begin to tell you how my parents have blessed me. I am so thankful that the Lord gave me Alayne and Steve Fleming as my parents. They have sacrificed so much for me and my sisters. I am so thankful for parents that love the Lord, and who love His word, and who have desired to instill that same love in their children. I love them so much! Rejoicing in His love,
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